Bilbao's Best Weekend: Pintxos and Art Adventure

Bilbao - where the cervezas are cold and the memories are unforgettable.

03 May 2023

Bilbao is a beautiful city located in the Basque Country. It offers plenty of activities for a stag do such as bar-hopping, visiting the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, going on a pintxo crawl, and enjoying the beach in nearby San Sebastian. The city is also known for its lively nightlife and delicious food, making it the perfect destination for a fun-filled bachelor party.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Pintxos Hopping

  • Check into the Hotel Carlton, a stylish and luxurious hotel in the heart of Bilbao.
  • Start your day with a traditional Basque breakfast at Café Iruña, known for their delicious churros con chocolate.
  • Take a stroll to Casco Viejo, the historic quarter of Bilbao, and explore the charming alleys and beautiful architecture.
  • Embark on a pintxos crawling adventure, trying the best bites in town at bars like La Viña del Ensanche and Baster, washed down with txakoli, a sparkling white wine.
  • End the night at Café Nervión, a lively bar known for their excellent cocktails and late-night atmosphere.
Day 2

Culture and Art

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafeteria Toledo, famous for their enormous bocadillos.
  • Visit the Guggenheim Museum, a stunning masterpiece of modern art and architecture, and explore the exhibitions of world-famous artists like Jeff Koons and Anish Kapoor.
  • Head to the Fine Arts Museum to discover the rich history of Basque art and admire the works of local and international masters.
  • Take a stroll along the river and enjoy the views of the iconic Zubizuri Bridge and the Ría de Bilbao.
  • End your trip with a Basque-style dinner at El Perro Chico, indulging in dishes like grilled octopus or slow-cooked beef cheeks.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Bilbao by plane is to fly to Bilbao Airport, which is located approximately 12 kilometers north of the city center. Many major airlines offer direct flights to Bilbao from cities across Europe and beyond.

Car

Traveling by car is a convenient way to explore the Basque Country, including Bilbao. Visitors can rent a car from major cities such as San Sebastian or explore the area on a self-guided road trip.

Train

While there are no direct train services to Bilbao from other parts of Europe, travelers can take a high-speed train to nearby cities such as San Sebastian or Vitoria-Gasteiz and then transfer to a local train or bus bound for Bilbao.

Boat

While there are no direct boat services to Bilbao, travelers can take a ferry from the UK or France to Santander or other port cities in northern Spain and then travel to Bilbao by train or bus.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel to Bilbao from other cities in Spain and beyond. Major bus companies such as ALSA and Eurolines offer services to Bilbao from cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris.

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